Philoptochos Society Board Members

Eugenia Callias

Toula Drosos

Tjeni Kalatzantonakis

Chrystalla Kanakis

Argyro Andriopoulos

Eugenia Callias

Julie Mellis

Margarita Pantelis

Maria Papadatos

Lea Drivas-Sunshine

Philoptochos Society Information

Philoptochos means “friends of the poor.” The Greek Orthodox Philoptochos Society is the duly accredited women’s philanthropic society of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Established in 1931 by the Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras of blessed
memory who was serving then as Archbishop of North and South America. Philoptochos has now grown nationally to over 450 chapters and is the largest Christian women’s philanthropic organization in the United States. Women who participate in the local chapter of Philoptochos are also automatically members of the National and Metropolis Philoptochos.

The dedicated labor of the faithful Greek Orthodox women of the Philoptochos Society across the United States promotes the charitable, benevolent and philanthropic purposes of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America by instructional programming, presentations, lectures, seminars and other educational resources. They voluntarily aid the poor, the destitute, the hungry, the aged, the sick, the unemployed, the orphaned, the imprisoned, the widowed, the handicapped, the victims of disasters. Through their charitable work they cover expenses related to the burial of impoverished persons as well as offering assistance to anyone who may need the help of the Church through special fund raising or solicitations on the local level.

The Ladies Philoptochos Society of the Ascension Greek Orthodox Church numbers nearly one hundred ladies. The Executive Board and Board Members meet the first Tuesday every month at 8.00pm. Every second Tuesday of the month is Philoptochos General Assembly where all ladies of the Philoptochos Society participate. Our Philoptochos Society heads and organizes the following events: (1) vasilopita dance during in early January, (2) Apokreatiko masquerade dance, (3) Chinese auction, (4) flea market in June and (5) annual fashion show or music concert in October. New members are ALWAYS welcome! Inquire with a board member or the church office.

Philoptochos Society Membership

Please consider renewing or newly starting your membership with our Philoptochos Society. The National Philoptochos Society is the largest women’s Christian charitable organization in the United States. We support and help those in need in our community and beyond by assisting the elderly, ill and underprivileged through Orthodox missions, IOCC, St. Basil’s Academy, UNICEF and countless other charitable endeavors. We strive to improve the lives of others by making a difference. JOIN US!